Has Anyone gone to a Bone Specialist., and was it beneficial?

@bonnieb49 By bone specialist do you mean an orthopedic surgeon? Endocrinology? Have you been diagnosed with osteopenia/osteoporosis and what have you tried so far?

Hi Helen..thank you for your note...I was diagnosed with osteoporosis in 2012, on Fosamax for 5 yrs, with good results...it did go into Penia...2yrs ago back to porosis, bottom of the red on graph...my lumbar Is -2.7, and femoral is -1.8...my dr has recommended Prolia...I am opposed, due to possible severe side effects...He recommended a Bone Specialist who could help me with another option...not an Orthopedic Surgeon, so possibly an Endocrinologist...I'm just not knowing what to do, as the Prolia seems to be advised, and I'm not wanting to take that chance...Do I simply wait until my next density? Thanks so much, again, for your reply...Bonnie

Hello, @bonnieb49 I am facing a similar decision. I took Fosomax for 5 years with good results that got me into the osteopenia range when I had previously been in the osteoporosis range. Since that last bone density scan in 2021 I found out I have an insuffiency sacral fracture that indicates more evaluation is needed. Interestingly, the sacral fracture showed up on a CT that I had for a different reason and I’ve had no ill effects from the fracture. I didn’t even know it was there. I am seeing an endocrinologist at the end of this month.

Have you been following the many discussions in this support group for the different types of medications for osteoporosis? I’ve been reading many of these on Prolia, Reclast, etc and this will help me figure out what questions to ask the endocrinologist if he recommends that I go back on medication.

What else are you considering besides Prolia?

Right now I'm still checking any other possible options...I'm not sure there's any other med that won't have possible side effects...Rheumatologist or Endocrinologist? Will they offer something that my Internist isn't aware of? Or do I just wait until my next density in 2yrs and compare? I'm stumped!!! Thanks for your reply..

An endocrinologist is definitely a good idea. But with spine at -2.7 and femur at - 1.8 you could consider a holistic approach (see Dr. McCormick's book "A Whole Body Approach to Osteoporosis," if your doctor will support this.

Prolia poses problems because when you stop it, rapid bone loss occurs and increase in fracture risk. So it needs to be followed by a bisphosphonate. And the timing of that switch is very important and complex. Blood tests need to be done to make sure it isn't too early or too late, according to McCormick and my doc.

Awww, thanks so much for your reply...I did forget to mention that my distal radius (wrist) is -2.9, and last density showed very good...I am thinking holistic also...thank you again..God Bless